Fitness Fusion

Shed pounds and stay motivated by adding a hybrid workout to your routine.

By Camille Noe Pagán

If you try it
Search for an instructor who has experience working with people with arthritis, Matthews adds. In addition to a general fitness certification, the instructor should have experience teaching each form of exercise incorporated in the workout.

Look for a class that includes a form of gentle, flexibility-enhancing exercise, such as Pilates or tai chi. “You’ll improve your range of motion, which can ease arthritis symptoms and make everyday tasks easier,” Matthews says.

Let the instructor know that you’ve never done the workout before, and tell her you have arthritis and may need to modify some moves. “A good, experienced instructor will monitor your progress and make helpful suggestions without being pushy or making you feel singled out,” says Matthews.

Go slowly. “Be mindful of your joints and work toward learning your new workout rather than attempting to do the highest impact you can or trying to keep up with more experienced exercisers,” says Matthews.

Doing a DVD? Look for a workout that includes a beginner skill level or modifications.

Yogalaties. Gyrotonics. Piloxing. They may be hard to pronounce, but fusion workouts – which combine moves from two or more disciplines, such as yoga and Pilates – yogalaties – or water aerobics and tai chi – ai chi – are increasingly popular.

“People love fusion fitness because it’s challenging and novel,” says Jessica Matthews, certification director for the American Council on Exercise, or ACE, in San Diego and a fitness trainer who has trained people with arthritis.

But is it safe and worth your time? Here are the pros, cons and caveats to keep in mind before trying a hybrid workout.

The pros
Fusion workouts can introduce you to other forms of exercise. Plus, “if you enjoy a particular type of exercise but are bored with your current routine, it’s a great way to break through the monotony,” says Matthews.

Fusion fitness also provides an opportunity to cross-train. “You’ll typically use more muscle groups than you would with a single discipline, and that can reduce your risk of injury while boosting your overall fitness levels.”

The cons
Carefully monitor your pain during a fitness fusion class, says Sherry Brourman, a physical therapist and yoga instructor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, who regularly works with people who have arthritis. “The moves may feel different than what you’re used to, but don’t confuse ‘different’ with ‘painful,’” she adds.

Observe a class before you sign up, says Matthews. “If your arthritis is severe or you’re having a flare, avoid workouts that involve high-impact moves, such as step aerobics or boxing.”

If you try it
Search for an instructor who has experience working with people with arthritis, Matthews adds. In addition to a general fitness certification, the instructor should have experience teaching each form of exercise incorporated in the workout.

Look for a class that includes a form of gentle, flexibility-enhancing exercise, such as Pilates or tai chi. “You’ll improve your range of motion, which can ease arthritis symptoms and make everyday tasks easier,” Matthews says.

Let the instructor know that you’ve never done the workout before, and tell her you have arthritis and may need to modify some moves. “A good, experienced instructor will monitor your progress and make helpful suggestions without being pushy or making you feel singled out,” says Matthews.

Go slowly. “Be mindful of your joints and work toward learning your new workout rather than attempting to do the highest impact you can or trying to keep up with more experienced exercisers,” says Matthews.

Doing a DVD? Look for a workout that includes a beginner skill level or modifications.